Her Love Language: Holiday Edition No. 5

Tia Delfina’s Farofa de Aveia

The holiday season is a magical time filled with traditions, family, and cherished meals that bring everyone together. Each dish on the table holds a story, and I’m excited to share one that has become a beloved addition to our celebrations: Farofa de Aveia da Tia Delfina. For those unfamiliar with farofa, it’s a classic Brazilian side dish often made with toasted cassava flour or other grains, mixed with a variety of savoury ingredients to create a flavourful and textured accompaniment to any meal. This oat-based farofa offers a unique twist, blending wholesome ingredients into a festive delight. combination of flavours and textures, making it a delightful addition to any festive feast.

But this isn’t just any farofa. It holds a special place in my heart, not only because it’s delicious but because it reminds me of my childhood and the incredible woman it’s named after. Let me tell you a little about my dear Tia Delfina.

Who is Tia Delfina?

Tia Delfina is my aunt, or more specifically, my closest cousin Sheima’s mum. She was an essential part of my childhood and created some of my fondest memories. Tia Delfina was the kind of person who would not only prepare the most amazing snacks but also join us in our games, filling our days with laughter and warmth. One of her unforgettable treats was her bolinho de chuva—but that’s a story for another day!

This farofa is one of Tia Delfina’s cherished recipes, it still reminds me of her because of the love and care she poured into everything she made. I first tried this farofa last Christmas when my mum prepared it for our family dinner. Honestly, I was a little skeptical at first—how good could an oat-based farofa really be? But let me tell you, one bite was all it took to completely change my mind. The flavours were so rich and comforting that it quickly became a favourite. Now, I can’t imagine Christmas without it.

Another wonderful thing about this recipe is that it’s both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.

Here’s how you can make this delicious and heartwarming dish at home:

Ingredients:

• Olive oil (to taste)

• 2 tablespoons of garlic, chopped or grated

• 1 white onion and 1 red onion, chopped into small cubes

• 1 green bell pepper and 1 red bell pepper, chopped into small cubes

• 2 carrots, grated or chopped into cubes

• 2 to 3 cups of oats (you may need more or less depending on the dryness or moistness you prefer)

• 1 can of corn

• 1 cup of peas or green beans

• 1/2 cup of raisins (I used both green and red)

• 1/4 cup of chopped spring onions

• Oregano to taste

• Salt to taste

• 1/2 cup of olives, sliced

• Leek, chopped (to taste)

  

  Ingredients needed

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the garlic. Let it fry until golden.

2. Add the leek and onion, and let them brown slightly.

3. Add the bell peppers and carrots, and sauté until softened. You may notice some water coming out of the vegetables; don't worry! Just keep sautéing, and some of the water will cook off. We don’t want all the water to evaporate, as it helps keep the farofa moist.

   

   Sautéed vegetables

   
   

4. Add the corn and peas (or green beans), mixing well.

5. Stir in the olives, spring onions, oregano, and salt, mixing to combine.

6. Stir in the oats and continue mixing until they absorb the seasonings and are well combined. Adjust the amount of oats depending on your preferred consistency.

7. Add the raisins and gently stir them in.

Note: If desired, you can add diced bacon or chopped boiled egg before mixing in the oats.

Tia Delfina’s Farofa de Aveia

And there we have it! This concludes our Holiday series. I hope you’ve enjoyed these recipes as much as I’ve loved creating them for you. I’d love to hear which one was your favourite, so drop a comment below and let me know! Tia Delfina’s Farofa de Aveia is more than just a dish – it’s a celebration of flavours, love, and the cherished memories that make Christmas so special. As you prepare it for your own holiday table, I hope it brings as much joy and warmth to your family as it has to mine. Don’t forget to share your version with me on Instagram @her.amore.language and use the hashtag #HerLoveLanguage!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas filled with love, laughter, and, of course, delicious food!

From her kitchen, with love ♡